Circular Frame Reconstructive Surgery

In the event of broken bones with associated severe soft tissue damage, fractures extending into the adjacent joint surface, cases of infected fractures, or non-union of fractures, circular frame surgery provides a useful alternative to fixation of the broken bones with plates and screws or an intramedullary rod.

The circular frame is an advanced form of external fixation, where pins and wires are passed through bones and are fixed to an external ring, which in turn is fixed with either struts or threaded bolts to another ring which has been transfixed to another segment of bone.

An advantage of the circular frame is that it allows adjustment of the position of the fracture during the treatment course. In some cases of very complex fractures where an immediate correction of the fracture is not possible in the operating room, a corrective software programme is provided to you the patient to perform adjustments of the struts at home to gradually align the fracture.

The circular frame normally remains for a minimum of three months in simple fractures. In more complex fractures which have also required tissue transfer the circular frame can be remain for six to twelve months.

Mr Sinha also has extensive experience in the management of bone infection, delayed union and non-union of fractures with circular frames.

Caring for the circular frame during your treatment is essential. One of the key elements is the dressings for the pin sites. A separate patient information leaflet is available and provides a guide for this and other aspects of daily life.

Open tibial fracture below previous total knee replacement

Post operative radiograph of tibial fracture reduced and stabilised with circular frame

Radiograph of healed tibial fracture and frame removed